As we enter the final stages of Term 3, there has been a real sense of positivity around the Preston Campus. With spring in the air and the warmer weather settling in, it has been great to see staff and students making the most of the sunshine, getting outside during recess and lunch and connecting with one another. It has been a great way to finish the term.
Our Year 10 and 11 students have recently had the opportunity to undertake Work Experience, giving them a chance to step into a workplace and experience first-hand what it is like to be part of a team. For many students, it has been a valuable opportunity to develop their confidence, communication skills and understanding of workplace expectations. It has also been great to hear about the different experiences our students have had and the skills they have developed along the way. We kindly ask that students return their Work Experience or Structured Work Learning forms on time as this makes processing the forms incredibly difficult when they are received last. This then has a flow-on effect where employers cannot receive information about the placement in a timely manner.
We are always keen to build connections with local businesses and members of our community who may be able to offer work experience opportunities or are looking for apprentices or trainees. If you or someone you know may be able to support one of our students in this way, please contact Tegan Hopkins at the College. Opportunities such as these can make a significant difference in helping our students explore pathways and develop valuable workplace skills. Please reach out via email to tegan.hopkins@parade.vic.edu.au
Students will be participating in the RIJI program in Term 4. They will have the opportunity to sit down and go through a mock interview and then receive feedback on how they went. This will be held on October 22.
We would also like to wish our Year 12 VCE VM students all the best as they approach the final stages of their schooling. The coming weeks are an important time as they work towards completing their studies and finishing the year positively. We encourage them to remain focused, attend regularly, and make the most of the support available to them as they work through the end of this term and into the beginning of Term 4.
Students completed their WRS portfolio interviews this term. The feedback from College Leadership has been incredibly positive. Leaders have mentioned how well prepared the students were, as well as how well spoken they were when they spoke about their time at Parade. This has been a highlight for both leaders of the College and our students who are finishing this year.
One of the highlights of Term 3 has been seeing our students put their Personal Development Skills (PDS) into action through a range of student-led activations.
Students planned and ran activities for their peers, including a Longest Kick Challenge, Push-Up Challenge, sausage sizzle, and a highly popular pancake station. These activities gave students the opportunity to develop their planning, teamwork, communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills while contributing to the wider campus community.
It was pleasing to see students taking ownership of their activities and putting their PDS skills into practice. These experiences provide an important link between what students learn at school and the skills they will need in the workplace and beyond.
Well done to Nathan Shoesmith and his 12C Personal Development Skills class for an excellent result with their Community Support Campus Garden Improvement Activity. The class purchased and planted new plants, and mulched the space, helping to spruce up a garden at the entrance of the Preston Campus.
The project was significantly supported by the fundraising efforts of Domenica Rinaudo’s 12B PDS class, with the finished garden being enjoyed by students and staff across the campus last week.
This is another great example of how hands-on, purposeful learning is fostered at Preston, giving students opportunities to work together, apply their skills in real-world contexts and make a positive contribution to our campus community.
As we look towards Term 4, one of our key areas of focus will be punctuality, particularly at the start of the school day.
Being at school and ready to begin learning on time is an important part of establishing positive routines and ensuring students do not miss valuable learning time. When we return in Term 4, we will be placing a strong emphasis on students arriving at school and getting to tutor group on time.
We will continue to work with students and families to support this expectation and help all students finish the year strongly.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for their support throughout Term 3. We hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break, and we look forward to seeing our students return ready for a positive final term.
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